Soss Moss volunteers enjoy Achievers’ Afternoon

12 August 2016

Soss Moss Achievers’ Afternoon has celebrated the voluntary work of mental health patients across East Cheshire.

The event, run by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP), recognised the hard work and achievements of service users at Alderley Unit and Saddlebridge Recovery Centre and featured a BBQ, games and certificate presentation.

More than 30 people attended the Achievers’ Afternoon, including representatives from local volunteer groups and businesses across East Cheshire. Guests thanked volunteers for their hard work and enjoyed food prepared by service users at the Trust’s Sunny Café in Nether Alderley.

CWP encourages people who access services to take up volunteering as a way to learn new skills and build confidence. In the last year, Soss Moss service users have volunteered for the National Trust, RSPCA, British Heart Foundation and Macclesfield Town Football Club.

Joanne Atkinson works for the Occupational Therapy Team at Soss Moss. She said: “Volunteering gives people who access services the opportunity to demonstrate their skills to individuals outside their care team and peer group.

“Such opportunities are a valuable way of developing confidence and improving self-esteem. They also demonstrate the positive life skills of individuals with severe and enduring mental health conditions.”